From the Desk of Former Mayor Malinda Miles

It has been two years since I decided to remove myself from the political scene in Mount Rainier, MD, Prince George's County, and the State of Maryland. Holding the lofty position of Mayor was such a great honor, but as the years flew by, I realized that it was time to do something else -- get a life.! I did, and still continue to provide resources to the residents through The Front Porch Ministries (TFPM). Real people pass through The Front Porch Ministries weekly. LIFE is good.

Saturday, January 06, 2018

The Smoke-Alarm Law was signed in 2013 but went into effect on January 1.

I am not sure how residents of Maryland are supposed to keep up with all the laws and changes in laws, but there is an expectation that all of us KNOW the law. There is also a FALSE belief that ALL of us have computers, cell phones WITH internet or internet capabilities, AND therefore there is no excuse for NOT KNOWING the law. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE to know every law and KEEP up with them.

Having said that here is an old law that has been updated, and may save your life or someone else's IF you act on it. The Mount Rainier CERT Team will be canvassing our neighborhood to update/install new fire alarms during the month of January. They will remove and replace old fire alarms at no cost to the residents.

Pre-canvassing - January 6, 2018 from 10 am – 12 pm (CANCELED BECAUSE OF ICY COLD WEATHER) -- Will be rescheduled

Canvassing - January 15, 2018 from 8 am – 12 pm. MAY BE RESCHEDULED

The Smoke-Alarm Law was signed in 2013 but went into effect on January 1. The law requires homeowners to replace 9-volt battery operated smoke detectors with newer models that last a decade. The legislation updated the state’s nearly 40-year-old law on fire protection. The law calls for 10-year-old smoke detectors to be replaced. The date of manufacture, while sometimes hard to locate, should be printed on the back of smoke alarms. If no manufacture date is printed on your alarm, experts say that it is likely outdated and should be replaced. The legislation does not affect homes with hard-wired smoke alarms.

Mayor Malinda Miles

As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents. It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved. It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces. I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible. This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.